SILVER-POX FARMING. 
47 
ment. (Fig. 40.) The readiness with which his foxes accommo- 
date themselves to a life of captivity depends greatly upon his atti- 
tude toward them. 
BEHAVIOR OF FOXES IN CAPTIVITY. 
Before one can intelligently handle foxes he must know something 
concerning their behavior. He must study them at every oppor- 
tunity, whether performing his duties on the ranch or observing foxes 
from the watch tower. As previously stated, the instant a fox 
becomes aware that it is observed it changes its behavior entirely. 
Foxes are naturally active at night but quiet during the day, re- 
maining in the den, curled up on top of the den, or in some shady, 
secluded spot. They are inquisitive, and their desire to see every- 
thing that is going on around them leads them to select advan- 
tageous positions for the purpose. (Fig. 41.) Moving objects inter- 
FlG. 
41. — On the lookout. Under proper management foxes soon display a lively 
interest in their surroundings. 
est them keenly, and birds or mammals entering their pens fall 
quick prey to their alertness. As a rule they live peaceably together, 
but their treacherous disposition becomes apparent when the}^ can 
take a mate or a neighbor at a disadvantage. 
The natural instinct of foxes to burrow in the soil seems to be ex- 
aggerated in some individuals, and when suddenly frightened they 
try to escape in this way or by climbing the walls of the pen. 
Excitability is one of the most troublesome traits of foxes, al- 
though it is believed that too much stress has been placed on this. 
It is not intended to convey the idea that they do not need quiet 
or that unnecessary causes of excitement should not be avoided ; on 
the contrary, the breeder should take advantage of every occasion 
to allay their suspicions and gain their confidence. As a rule foxes 
are suspicious of strangers and on the approach of a newcomer 
frequently sound a warning call and run to cover. On some ranches 
this is not the case, and it is believed that lack of fear is due largely 
to the method of handling and feeding. It is an established fact 
